Many of those trails are well over a thousand years old. Which is why they are so deep. Those hedges would have been just a metre high when the road was first established, now through hundreds of years of erosion by water, they can be 3 to 4 metres deep.
After riding both CRF and Himalayan on one of your great days out I think myself being a novice trail rider the CRF only works better in more experienced hands, on the Himalayan I was much more confident and in return more capable at tackling the lanes. The CRF felt unstable and twitchy which knocked my confidence. Plus when we got on the road it was the same story. If I'd got lots of experience then maybe I'd prefer the CRF but as it stands for me the Himalayan puts a smile on my face.
I totally agree Nathan that's what drew me to the Himalayan had so many conversations every time I'm out on it, I think the looks really do it favours in its understated way, steady pace + exploration are what I enjoy now and I do wish more long Strokes were on the market by far my fav engine configuration thanks for the video again always feel like I've learnt something watching your stuff :) Yep haha cat and fiddle in pea soup fog that was an adventure the other day 😄 Completely agree with the relays I did mine the other week as a preventative measure.
I got a funny feeling in my groin when you were sliding on that black ice, yikes! But Wow, the commentary while riding up that last lane was fantastic, no wonder you were a bit pumped doing the walk-around at the top. Brilliant stuff, thanks for taking us along for the ride, loved every moment. Cheers.
Totally agree Nathan Like most things in life It's becoming a competition on the lanes but I would give my right arm to be able to ride without fear of prosecution in Cumbria
I would only be screaming in agreement with you about the race pace on trails and gravel roads, if I were screaming. Not something I understand, especially since there are often so many blind curves. I’m usually chugging along at 20-25mph on the Himalayan just enjoying the scenery, terrain, and lovely mechanical nature of that long stroke engine. Whether I’m on gravel/dirt, or a paved back road, I very often just wave others around and often stop for walkers out with their dogs, and always stop and shut down for horses. And it’s not that I think other riders are trying to be annoying or threatening, but it’s very apparent that many of them, as well as some car drivers (though many of them seem very entitled) just aren’t thinking about other people’s perceptions of them and the image they present. I often think about how nice it would be to be so unaware.
Some really good advise in there. I think, any trail you ride and enjoy, is a good trail, no matter how long, or technical. Used to go off roading, in 4x4's, not anymore, due to most lanes and play areas being closed. Due to the behaviour of a minorty of 4x4's and trail riders! So, like you, I try not to annoy or upset people, when i'm out. Hopefully, we can keep some lanes open?! Grumps.
Nice one, thanks for the video. I bit the bullet and bought/fitted a tec cac and dna filtel/open plate the other day.. Get it done, I did it no problem as a complete mechanic novice. Took me about 3 hours but I bet I'd do it in half that if I had to do it again.. I hadn't even had the tank off previously so everything was new.. Be like water, as Bruce Lee said.
Worst biking injury I have had was from trying to save my Aprilia Dorsoduro (at 2 mph) from hitting the road after hitting some black ice. Bike was undamaged, but I tore my quads, calf and other muscles in my left leg as I did the splits. Had a bruise from my ar*e to my ankle, and was in much discomfort for weeks!
Another good watch as ever 👌I definitely think the Himalayan changed people’s perceptions of what a adventure bike could be at a very realistic price you definitely get a lot of bike for the money
Use all these local lanes quite regularly, been keeping an eye out for your tool kit, but haven’t seen anything. Seen you out before, but you were guiding a tour so I didn’t want to interrupt.
I binned it on a roundabout riding my Himalayan on black ice in mid December, enough adventure for me this winter! I was totally fine, the bike was...mostly fine but has some new scuffs and a bit of a bendy gear lever. At least I don't have to worry about scratching the bike or anything now!
Hi Nathan,, You are blessed in your part of the country,,but here in Lincolnshire we,ve been banned out of existence from unpaved roads ,in all this part in the county we have about 10 miles all told,, blinking farmers/nimbys/Horsey types /and dog walkers /oh and tier up two stroke merchants have done for us...
I’m in Lincolnshire and agree not much left in the way of green lanes, fun is becoming a rare commodity in the uk, it also makes you think twice before investing i a trail bike.
@@donsmith3573 tell me about it !!! I use my Himalayan down single track country lanes,,, There no speed camaras ,no traffic ,,and only dog walkers to aim at....
In Spain you can virtually ride anywhere off road. The over regulation in this country nanny state on stuff that doesn’t matter yet no regulation on serious matters such as boat people. Fab vlog mate. Be nice to see a short one on the relays to change. I am going to buy one of these this year but am scared of the unreliability possibility as want to go to Spain on it. Obvs seen the plug/ coil change but which relays please? Seeing all the cars by the sea, with a bike you can slot a parking place anywhere what I love about my 300cc scooter. Feels fast but isn’t but would outrun himmy, abs love it my go to transport. You have incredible ability
Nice video, Nathan. Except that I think I heard you call the CT110 a scooter. I know you've got several CT110s, so you should know better. Anyway, see you in June on the Garbage Run round Ireland - possibly on my C125 Super Cub ( not sure whether I'm bringing that or my Himalayan ) but looking forward to it,, anyway.
I've been lucky enough to get out on the Himalayan around some local lanes (Hertfordshire) this week. Just on my own plodding along in 1st and 2nd. Nothing technical but very slippery in places and even on warn tyres the bike finds grip. Do you need more power and suspension? Yes? but then your traveling faster? I'm not sure that is ideal. Dog walkers/cyclists/game shooter's the later I'd not piss off 😂
I suspect you also find it more satisfying to actually 'ride' the lanes Nathan, and to do that, as you said, you must stand to best control the bike on challenging terrain. I love all that water you're riding through by the way, to me, green laning is definitely a winter sport. Normally it's the salt and grit that put me off, but clearly some of your minor roads are not on the gritters rounds?
Hopefully get a Himalayan soon bar a complete disaster on the test ride! P.s Need to figure out how to take a rear roll bag. (Whether you need an addition in terms of a base plate etc).
Did you ever consider removing that (half) top front fender? What practical use does it have? On the other hand perhaps finding a complete (top) fender and deleting that lower one… I’m thinking the bike would look much better either way, wouldn’t it? Love your practical videos 👍👍 Cheers 🍻🍻
Thanks blazin. To be honest I just like the look of t as it is and never think to change it. Maybe if it made a practical difference but I guess it'd just be cosmetic
@@nathanthepostman just consider it a subscriber request type whim…😁 I asked my local dealer if he minds if I take it off just to see and they said: “you buy it you can do whatever you want with it…”😝😝
So, for a new riders first bike, for someone who wants to get into trail riding, which do you recommend, the Honda CT 125, or the Royal Enfield Himalayan? Because how I see it, the CT 125 is light enough to put on the back of an SUV via a bike carrier, which is needed to take it places as it lacks speed for highways (I live in America, so it is way too slow). While the Himalayan is barely fast enough for highways, but to heavy for a bike carrier. The pros and cons largely correlate to usability and carrying capacity. The CT 125 is likely more usable on trails, but can carry less over all, but if you have a car, you don't likely need to carry as much (but camping off of trails might be the exception). While the Himalayan has better carrying capacity, but it's size makes it less storable, and less maneuverable. They fit a very similar niche of use, which is why I am struggling between both of them.
I guess it depends on how close the trails are and what type of rads they are to get there. The CT will be easier to ride off road for a novice. The Himalayan is still novice friendly just takes a bit more involvement. I've ridden across America on a himalayan so know it'll cope with the roads just fine. The Himalayan is a touring and trail bike and if that's what you want to do with the bike get the Himalayan. But if you just want to do a few trails on a weekend get the CT
You don't need them as it changes the geometry of the bike. Nathan keeps his bikes pretty standard. If you go to Sweetlamb they'll make you take them off, as they sift the rider's weight back and make the front wheel light. If you are just riding tarmac roads and touring then some fit them for comfort.
We do have them in Scotland, BUT we are not allowed to ride on them now :( , the reason? "Walkers and cyclists" lobby :( There is an old "trail" runs from Fife to Inverness, one of the many cattle driving roads and held an annual run from 1926 until the law was changed, due to lobbying pressure :( A way of life just wiped away. Mind you, the crazy nutters on Motocross bikes and quads riding like loons was a problem and worked against us. :/
Hello Nathan, oh ice, you sure are brave! Couple of questions if you don't mind: did you change the cam in your Himalayan?; have RE sorted for the 2022/3 E5 the relay and head bearings? Thank you, Peter M
Hi Peter. No I've still not changed the cam and to be honest I'm struggling to muster the enthusiasm to bother. I've ridden a few with it and whilst it does make them a bit more sprightly at the top end I'm not sure that equates to it making the bike any better (in my opinion of course). But yes, I believe the relays have been cured now (but I still think I'd pack a spare) and the head bearings are better and some people don't have any problems. If they do fail they just gradually get a bit notchy but aren't hazardous. I rode across America with my notchy head bearings and the bike was fine until I got it home.
Black ice and a sprinkling of socio political commentary. Only on your channel mate. Bloody love it! PS next time it's icy stay at home. We can wait a day or two for your next vid. Cheers. 👍
Many of those trails are well over a thousand years old. Which is why they are so deep. Those hedges would have been just a metre high when the road was first established, now through hundreds of years of erosion by water, they can be 3 to 4 metres deep.
After riding both CRF and Himalayan on one of your great days out I think myself being a novice trail rider the CRF only works better in more experienced hands, on the Himalayan I was much more confident and in return more capable at tackling the lanes. The CRF felt unstable and twitchy which knocked my confidence. Plus when we got on the road it was the same story. If I'd got lots of experience then maybe I'd prefer the CRF but as it stands for me the Himalayan puts a smile on my face.
I totally agree Nathan that's what drew me to the Himalayan had so many conversations every time I'm out on it, I think the looks really do it favours in its understated way, steady pace + exploration are what I enjoy now and I do wish more long Strokes were on the market by far my fav engine configuration thanks for the video again always feel like I've learnt something watching your stuff :)
Yep haha cat and fiddle in pea soup fog that was an adventure the other day 😄
Completely agree with the relays I did mine the other week as a preventative measure.
I got a funny feeling in my groin when you were sliding on that black ice, yikes! But Wow, the commentary while riding up that last lane was fantastic, no wonder you were a bit pumped doing the walk-around at the top. Brilliant stuff, thanks for taking us along for the ride, loved every moment. Cheers.
Totally agree Nathan
Like most things in life
It's becoming a competition on the lanes but I would give my right arm to be able to ride without fear of prosecution in Cumbria
Impressive riding and good tips Nathan, love that little Himmy
Plenty of adventure in our backyard. Sat with my bust knee this really lifted the spirits. Thanks
I would only be screaming in agreement with you about the race pace on trails and gravel roads, if I were screaming. Not something I understand, especially since there are often so many blind curves. I’m usually chugging along at 20-25mph on the Himalayan just enjoying the scenery, terrain, and lovely mechanical nature of that long stroke engine. Whether I’m on gravel/dirt, or a paved back road, I very often just wave others around and often stop for walkers out with their dogs, and always stop and shut down for horses. And it’s not that I think other riders are trying to be annoying or threatening, but it’s very apparent that many of them, as well as some car drivers (though many of them seem very entitled) just aren’t thinking about other people’s perceptions of them and the image they present. I often think about how nice it would be to be so unaware.
Some really good advise in there.
I think, any trail you ride and enjoy, is a good trail, no matter how long, or technical.
Used to go off roading, in 4x4's, not anymore, due to most lanes and play areas being closed.
Due to the behaviour of a minorty of 4x4's and trail riders!
So, like you, I try not to annoy or upset people, when i'm out.
Hopefully, we can keep some lanes open?!
Grumps.
Thanks for the commentary on controls and posture
Nice one, thanks for the video. I bit the bullet and bought/fitted a tec cac and dna filtel/open plate the other day.. Get it done, I did it no problem as a complete mechanic novice. Took me about 3 hours but I bet I'd do it in half that if I had to do it again.. I hadn't even had the tank off previously so everything was new.. Be like water, as Bruce Lee said.
Worst biking injury I have had was from trying to save my Aprilia Dorsoduro (at 2 mph) from hitting the road after hitting some black ice. Bike was undamaged, but I tore my quads, calf and other muscles in my left leg as I did the splits. Had a bruise from my ar*e to my ankle, and was in much discomfort for weeks!
Another good watch as ever 👌I definitely think the Himalayan changed people’s perceptions of what a adventure bike could be at a very realistic price you definitely get a lot of bike for the money
Thank you 🇮🇳🙏
Another interesting video and voiceover Nathan, not just bikes but the routes and even some social commentary 👍
Use all these local lanes quite regularly, been keeping an eye out for your tool kit, but haven’t seen anything.
Seen you out before, but you were guiding a tour so I didn’t want to interrupt.
I binned it on a roundabout riding my Himalayan on black ice in mid December, enough adventure for me this winter! I was totally fine, the bike was...mostly fine but has some new scuffs and a bit of a bendy gear lever. At least I don't have to worry about scratching the bike or anything now!
Hi Nathan,, You are blessed in your part of the country,,but here in Lincolnshire we,ve been banned out of existence from unpaved roads ,in all this part in the county we have about 10 miles all told,, blinking farmers/nimbys/Horsey types /and dog walkers /oh and tier up two stroke merchants have done for us...
I’m in Lincolnshire and agree not much left in the way of green lanes, fun is becoming a rare commodity in the uk, it also makes you think twice before investing i a trail bike.
@@donsmith3573 tell me about it !!! I use my Himalayan down single track country lanes,,, There no speed camaras ,no traffic ,,and only dog walkers to aim at....
13:05 new underpants needed! Even though the Himmy is good it still feels wrong to slide like that on the road 😅
Hope you got home in one piece 👍
Always entertaining mate!
Nathan, I’m watching every video wondering if I can identify where you are! Great video and great good sense - thanks. Les
In Spain you can virtually ride anywhere off road. The over regulation in this country nanny state on stuff that doesn’t matter yet no regulation on serious matters such as boat people. Fab vlog mate. Be nice to see a short one on the relays to change. I am going to buy one of these this year but am scared of the unreliability possibility as want to go to Spain on it. Obvs seen the plug/ coil change but which relays please? Seeing all the cars by the sea, with a bike you can slot a parking place anywhere what I love about my 300cc scooter. Feels fast but isn’t but would outrun himmy, abs love it my go to transport.
You have incredible ability
What a shame didn't get to see CCM 450 in action .glad to hear you got it going again .all the best 👍
I'll do a video on that next week Gordon.
I'm not big fan of the Himalayan but I love the dash. Ice would put me right off that expedition.
Nice video, Nathan. Except that I think I heard you call the CT110 a scooter. I know you've got several CT110s, so you should know better.
Anyway, see you in June on the Garbage Run round Ireland - possibly on my C125 Super Cub ( not sure whether I'm bringing that or my Himalayan ) but looking forward to it,, anyway.
I've been lucky enough to get out on the Himalayan around some local lanes (Hertfordshire) this week. Just on my own plodding along in 1st and 2nd. Nothing technical but very slippery in places and even on warn tyres the bike finds grip. Do you need more power and suspension? Yes? but then your traveling faster? I'm not sure that is ideal. Dog walkers/cyclists/game shooter's the later I'd not piss off 😂
I suspect you also find it more satisfying to actually 'ride' the lanes Nathan, and to do that, as you said, you must stand to best control the bike on challenging terrain. I love all that water you're riding through by the way, to me, green laning is definitely a winter sport. Normally it's the salt and grit that put me off, but clearly some of your minor roads are not on the gritters rounds?
Great point gotta get there though
You made a good climb of 'Kings Cottage' 🙂
Entertaining as usual, I have to stand on my scram or I’d get kicked out of my seat
Hopefully get a Himalayan soon bar a complete disaster on the test ride!
P.s Need to figure out how to take a rear roll bag. (Whether you need an addition in terms of a base plate etc).
No need for a base plate. Just sit the roll bag on the pillion seat. 40-litre Lomo my preference.
Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻
Have you watched baron von nightmare gsxr off roading? A great watch.
Yes saw it yonks ago. It's what made him I think.
Did you ever consider removing that (half) top front fender?
What practical use does it have?
On the other hand perhaps finding a complete (top) fender and deleting that lower one…
I’m thinking the bike would look much better either way, wouldn’t it?
Love your practical videos 👍👍
Cheers
🍻🍻
Thanks blazin. To be honest I just like the look of t as it is and never think to change it. Maybe if it made a practical difference but I guess it'd just be cosmetic
@@nathanthepostman just consider it a subscriber request type whim…😁
I asked my local dealer if he minds if I take it off just to see and they said: “you buy it you can do whatever you want with it…”😝😝
So, for a new riders first bike, for someone who wants to get into trail riding, which do you recommend, the Honda CT 125, or the Royal Enfield Himalayan?
Because how I see it, the CT 125 is light enough to put on the back of an SUV via a bike carrier, which is needed to take it places as it lacks speed for highways (I live in America, so it is way too slow). While the Himalayan is barely fast enough for highways, but to heavy for a bike carrier. The pros and cons largely correlate to usability and carrying capacity. The CT 125 is likely more usable on trails, but can carry less over all, but if you have a car, you don't likely need to carry as much (but camping off of trails might be the exception). While the Himalayan has better carrying capacity, but it's size makes it less storable, and less maneuverable. They fit a very similar niche of use, which is why I am struggling between both of them.
I guess it depends on how close the trails are and what type of rads they are to get there. The CT will be easier to ride off road for a novice. The Himalayan is still novice friendly just takes a bit more involvement. I've ridden across America on a himalayan so know it'll cope with the roads just fine. The Himalayan is a touring and trail bike and if that's what you want to do with the bike get the Himalayan. But if you just want to do a few trails on a weekend get the CT
Bike has stock tyres or knobby tyres ?
Bike performed so so so well.
Thank you sir
Thanks Paresh. They're Continental TKC80s, but the stock tyres would do those lanes okay as well I think.
Absolutely loved this video with the running commentary.
Have you fitted bar risers? Or is it standard?
from what I have been seeing so far, risers are usually fitted by riders over 6` - I am 5` 9 and dont feel the need on my himmy
You don't need them as it changes the geometry of the bike. Nathan keeps his bikes pretty standard. If you go to Sweetlamb they'll make you take them off, as they sift the rider's weight back and make the front wheel light. If you are just riding tarmac roads and touring then some fit them for comfort.
We do have them in Scotland, BUT we are not allowed to ride on them now :( , the reason? "Walkers and cyclists" lobby :( There is an old "trail" runs from Fife to Inverness, one of the many cattle driving roads and held an annual run from 1926 until the law was changed, due to lobbying pressure :( A way of life just wiped away. Mind you, the crazy nutters on Motocross bikes and quads riding like loons was a problem and worked against us. :/
I think the same thing will happen here in wales sooner or later. ☹️
@@iangriffiths9930overegulation shite
Hello Nathan, oh ice, you sure are brave! Couple of questions if you don't mind: did you change the cam in your Himalayan?; have RE sorted for the 2022/3 E5 the relay and head bearings? Thank you, Peter M
Hi Peter. No I've still not changed the cam and to be honest I'm struggling to muster the enthusiasm to bother. I've ridden a few with it and whilst it does make them a bit more sprightly at the top end I'm not sure that equates to it making the bike any better (in my opinion of course). But yes, I believe the relays have been cured now (but I still think I'd pack a spare) and the head bearings are better and some people don't have any problems. If they do fail they just gradually get a bit notchy but aren't hazardous. I rode across America with my notchy head bearings and the bike was fine until I got it home.
@@nathanthepostman Thank you Nathan. Peter
It was a bacon tree Nathan, not an ambush.👌
Im exhausted after watching that, and cold. Time for steak pie n tea.
I know exactly what you mean.
Black ice and a sprinkling of socio political commentary. Only on your channel mate. Bloody love it!
PS next time it's icy stay at home. We can wait a day or two for your next vid. Cheers. 👍
Ride on ice? Im daft not stupid! Having once slid down the road on my back with a bike chasing me, never again.
As much as we love you Nathan please no more singing lol